Driving license changes – new rules for motorists in Germany

According to echo24.de, in 2023, motorists will face not only changes related to fines and penalties, but also new rules for all driving licenses. The European Union (EU) plans to “dramatically revise the current 3rd Directive on driving licenses”. The fourth directive is coming – what will change for car drivers?

According to ADAC, the EU is currently “dramatically reviewing the current 3rd Directive on driving licenses”. However, the changes must first be “transposed into national law” before they can take effect in Germany.

The 4th driving license directive concerns mainly the increase in the permissible total weight that can be moved, the recognition of a certain class of driving license abroad, the digitization of the driving license and, among other things, the recognition of the withdrawal of a driving license abroad.

In 2023, regular class B driver’s licenses will get more freedom. Until now, drivers who obtained a driver’s license after January 1, 1999 were entitled to drive vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of 3.5 tons (having a class B license). The new directive significantly expands the allowable weight.

Until now, it has generally been difficult to obtain a “motorhome” that matches the registered weight class. In the future, all class B driver’s license holders will be able to drive vehicles weighing up to 4.25 tons.

In addition, according to ADAC, the B196 driver’s license will also be recognized abroad. Those who renew their license to this class will be able to drive light motorcycles up to 125cc. see Until now, this rule was valid only in Germany. After the changes are made, it will be possible throughout the EU.

But the driver’s license itself will be digitized. The aim is that in the event of a police check or car rental, the appropriate smartphone app can be used. “The possibility of using a QR code (instead of the current chip) on the driver’s license card is also being considered to make it more secure against counterfeiting.”

The path to the exam becomes more difficult

Novice drivers are also waiting for innovations. While it will be easier to “pass the theoretical and practical driving test in different member states of the European Union”, the path to practical training can become more difficult. The 4th directive provides that in order to be eligible to drive a car, you must first pass the theory. In addition, “in the future, the driving test can be taken (at least partially) on simulators.”

On the recommendation of numerous road safety experts, newcomers will have to undergo a so-called retraining course in a year, which involves reducing accidents on the roads. The EU Commission also provides for changes for the elderly. In accordance with it, persons over 70 years of age must pass a mandatory test of fitness for driving. However, in Baden-Württemberg, this bill is met with resistance, according to echo24.de.

Driving bans will become uniform in the EU

For drivers who have been stripped of their driver’s license, Europe will also have more uniform rules. According to the ADAC report, “the driving ban imposed in Italy will also apply in Germany.” In addition, uniform restrictions on the use of alcohol and drugs will be introduced. To do this, it is planned to harmonize points systems in different countries. Plus, “the driving license data of all EU citizens will be stored in a pan-European database.”

Overview of changes planned for 2023

• A Class B license will allow you to drive vehicles weighing up to 4.25 tons.
• Recognition of rights B196 also abroad
• Digital driver’s license and QR code
• In the future, novice drivers first pass the theory and then the practice
• Deprivation of a driver’s license: recognition across the EU
• Truck and bus class (C, D): lowering the minimum age to 18

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